150: Matt Unthank: How to build BogeyProof Shoulders.

Today I am very excited to announce our guest; Matt Unthank. Matt is Director of Training and Education at Crossover Symmetry – a medically designed rotator cuff and scapular strengthening system engineered to enhance shoulder health and performance. The programs were developed using the most current research and EMG data to identify the best exercises and techniques to train the scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff.

Crossover Symmetry provides gear to athletes, coaches, and therapists around the world. They are currently used by professional athletes in the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL and over 75% of major NCAA Division I Universities. Crossover Symmetry is also used a principal training tool among the best CrossFit athletes and gyms in the world.

Matt Unthank’s Background

Matt grew up playing soccer and cycling – not traditionally areas related to the shoulder which is where most of his work is focused now

He received his Undergraduate degree at Texas A&M in exercise physiology, and then later his Master’s degree at TXU Fortworth

Matt was a personal trainer for some time before realizing how he wanted to apply his education to the world of fitness

He had a number of issues with his shoulder during his fitness career, and came across Crossover Symmetry. After following their program, he was able to remedy his shoulder issues, and eventually came onboard in their training and education department

Highlights from this Episode

How Matt got into Crossover Symmetry, and how it relates to shoulder mobility. Shoulders can be one of the most problematic parts of the body for a lot of athletes, and Crossover focuses in on fixing this.

Where most shoulder issues stem from. Most people’s shoulders go inactive for 90% of their week, and are then put under extreme load and movement when going out to play golf or pitch in baseball. This is a problem, and we talk about a few ways folks can think differently about how they use their shoulders on the course and off.

Some of the common misconceptions that athletes have about shoulder rehab, and how Crossover takes a slightly different approach. Shoulder mobility doesn’t stop at the rotator cuff, which we get into.

The main components of the Crossover Symmetry program, being: activation, recovery, strength, and mobility. Each component is important in its own right, and needs to be thought about individually.

How golfers should think about shoulder recovery after a round of golf or a day at the driving range.

Where to start if you experience a ‘nagging’ shoulder. Many injuries can be prevented by just respecting the body part when you start to feel something coming on, and resting the muscle and joint.

Connect with 18STRONG

Join The 18STRONG Movement!

If you listened to the very end of this episode, then you know that there is a movement happening in golf and fitness. To join, simply follow this link to the private Facebook group and ask to join! Once you’re accepted, you are officially part of The 18STRONG Movement! Introduce yourself to the group and let’s get connected!

About Jeff Pelizzaro

Golf Fitness Professional | Physical Therapist | Golf Enthusiast. I love playing golf and training golfers. I get to do this stuff for a living (training that is, not playing). I hope this site encourages you to take some action so your time on the course is much more enjoyable and productive. If you're on Twitter, say hello: @JeffPelizzaro